Monday, May 31, 2010

I never really liked change. To begin with, although I would love to think and claim that I am one who can adapt in whatever environment I’d be thrown into, it does take time for me. Maybe it’s because I tend to take things too seriously; or because I tend to always keep my hopes up thinking forever is something I am gon’ prove if my life depended on it. I don’t really know. I guess it just sucks to be me that change is, as how Heraclitus would say, the only permanent thing in this world.

I feel like I have been in a rut the past week. I have been living in between lives, roles, times and spaces and trust me when I say it’s easy to get lost when you rather keep your eyes closed. Although I claim that logic lights my way, I am 10x sure that my life is steered by feelings—hence my impulsive nature. Feelings, as you all should know by now, are very fleeting. To live a life with emotions on command, is highly unstable. It’s a ride I choose though. It is exciting and young and I’d love to think I deserve to be exciting and young while I still am strong enough to handle tremendous excitement and I still am young enough to be young (but don’t forget that youth is not measured by the years you have lived, rather it is measured, conveniently enough, by the lines that form near your eyes, your laugh lines).

As my favorite season comes to a close and with my desire to pull myself out of this uncalled for emotional vortex, I’d like to announce my sincerest desire to take the high road. Truth is, I’m a very reactive person and once something is thrown at me, I instinctively throw something back—sometimes a rock, sometimes a cupcake, if you know what I mean. But for this particular instance, I think it’s about time I focus on things that truly matter and make sense simply because that’s where forever beats like a heart of a runner. See for me, forever isn’t really an immeasurable length of time. It is rather a place where you know that whatever you say or feel, it is really what you want to say or feel. I say so because with sincerity lies the only thing that can’t be changed by whatever factor in life, where a forever can thrive.

4:53 PM

Sunday, May 30, 2010

I just finished reading the New York Times Bestseller Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and in her conclusion she said something like, the only important thing to do in life is to just continue to be thankful and express your gratitude as long as you could.

As thank you, and as I've promised for the longest time, I would like to invite five of you lovely readers to join me in this awesome meet and greet and Rock and Run concert to be held at the Bonifacio High Street (talk about taking the 'high' road ;p) on June 19, 2010. (WE'D REGISTER FOR THE 5K LEG. There's 3k 5k and 10k. :p)

If you are a runner, you are invited to inspire the group to finish the marathon!If you are not a runner, you are invited to challenge yourself and see how each step really does count! TRUST ME, we're in this together!If you want to meet new people, you are invited to be friendly and energetic!If you love music, you are invited to witness this exciting concert-slash-marathon with people who share your passion for life!If you want to kick-off mid-2010 with a blast, you are invited to bring your awesome high-spirited self for an evening of fun.EVERYONE'S INVITED!!!

All you have to do is be a follower and comment with your email address on this blog with an answer to the following questions, creative answers would be very much appreciated. HAVE FUN!

for one entry 1. What about yourself do you think makes you a rockstar? (i.e. I get a 100 when I sing The Zephyr Song in the karaoke!)for one entry 2. What excites you the most about the Rock and Run marathon? (i.e. I'm excited to hear the live band while I push myself to the finish line!)

To further extend the fun, those who would blog, tweet and post about this contest on their Facebook pages or anywhere else would get two additional entries, per link (I would award an additional point to those who would include the event poster in their posts).

Those who would LIKE and TAG my page on an FB post of this link will get three points. :)

Please make sure to post your links correctly as I would validate your entry. So post your links along with your comments to have a higher chance of being part of this much-awaited heart-pumping concert!

7:32 AM

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Feeling lazy this Sunday. Sunday's such a wonderful day to take a break. I feel happy in the long beach dress I have on. I have no idea if it's legal to wear such a dress to the mall but it's so hot today, I wish it's legal to streak!

If you could give notice, I'm wearing what you call a Fushion excel necklace (did I refer to it correctly?). It has the scalar energy technology that helps protect the wearer from harmful effects caused by radiation. It is perfect for me, especially now, because I've been suffering from the harshness of being in front of a computer, of being beside a telephone and of using a cellphone almost 24/7.

Other than trying to cleanse myself of the radiation, today I also give myself a break from all the stresses of life through a wonderful and rejuvenating foot spa.

Look ma, (the foot in the frame is my mom's haha), Barney feet. :)

OK, feet now pampered, I'm back to thinking of how, exactly how am I preparing for the Rock and Run event on June? Kumikoooo discipline please?

5:29 PM

Friday, May 21, 2010

Above is a rather old photo of me during my "active" years. I apologize for the stained shirt, but I got carried away with the face painting "crayolas" and enjoyed representing the Philippines all over my body! I used to play for Team Pilipinas through the Philippine Rugby Football Union. I have no idea if I can go back to playing, since I don't think I can find time to train and be active again with the organization but at least I have very little tidbits such as these photos to remind me of how fun touching across the field is.

From the days when I was still a member. to now, the org evidently came a long way! They've been competing internationally! It's so awesome and I'm really really proud of them! Way to go Coach Rey! :) Way to go to the whole team! Especially the core members.

Promoting a new sport is a serious venture especially in the country, but hey! We Filipinos, we're so game! I'm not surprised Touch Rugby in the country is thriving more and more each year--feat after feat!

Anyways, I went through these old photos to muster up the courage and to be inspired for the up and coming Rock and Run event on June 19! It is the first of its kind, and I'm on DAY ONE.

Day one.Liquid cleanse. In order to prepare my body for this exciting event, I would be get rid of the toxins in my body. Although I'm drinking coffee right now haha I am staying away from solids today.

8:35 AM

Monday, May 17, 2010

IF you typed in "define: svelte" at Google's search bar then you are the person I'm looking for. Although if you nodded your head in hopeful agreement upon reading the world svelte, because you are among the smarty-pants who knows what the foreign word means, then youstill are the person I'm looking for.

I confess, I never thought it would be possible but just recently, it was proven so. Svelte + Wellness can be achieved. A stone throw away from the hip and alive-at-night bars and restaurants of Eastwood City is the beauty and wellness center named, conveniently, as Svelte Wellness Center.

A quick look at what the beauty mecca offers and I salivate. I can't help but feel a tinge of envy for those who actually live in the same building as Svelte. Those blessed people should find it less difficult to be attractively thin and gracefully slender (svelte, as defined by Google).In fact, when I visited the wellness center with my friend Lilia to try their treatments, I was completely floored by their exclusive and in-house products. Ms. Kathy of Svelte Wellness Center was orienting me of the wide array of products Svelte carries and mind you, Svelte's wall can possibly give your Dermatologist's consultation fee a run for its money.

Among the many products Svelte carries, I was particularly smitten and curiously attracted to the Revitalash. If you're a fan of my Facebook Page you would pretty much know that I am on a lash-trip this season. I have been trying various kinds of mascaras and false lashes. In fact, just so it would be more apparent how much I love lashes, the "comments" of my blogs are called "butterfly kisses", adorable.

I haven't tried the Revitalash but it is a product endorsed by different celebrities, both male and female. It is even endorsed by Oprah herself! Now that's reason enough.

Other products include the mildest soap alternatives for people with sensitive skin. However, as one dare stare at the wall of wonder at Svelte Wellness Center, how does one ignore those smooth graceful curves mounted on the wall. Ah.. those thighs. Are they even possible?

Of course it's a yes! But, really, if you don't have the metabolism of a god when you have the appetite of a Tiger (pun intended! hahaha), how is it possible then to have this (photo below) without breaking a sweat -- for the busy person!

Among many, Svelte Wellness Center prides itself of the state-of the-art Ultrasound Cavitation which instantly, yes instantly, lets you lose up to 3 inches in one session! (I sense some brows touching the heavens.) But yes, I wasn't a believer at first, but after hearing the cosmos... I was changed.

"Hearing the cosmos..." what do I mean? Well, I could go on and on and tell you of the technicalities of the Ultrasound Lipo BUT since that wouldn't be fun, at all, I'd rather put it the way normal people would say so.

In quirky way, it would be as if the unwanted fats and cellulites and god-knows-what would be singing as the ultrasound machine melts them away. As I laid there, with two attendants massaging me with the machine's heads (mimicking mild-to-strong shiatsu massage), I kept on hearing what I could only refer and best describe as the sound of aliens talking (haha, really!). Initially, the weird noise disturbed me BUT after my lovely nurses explained that the louder the noise I hear, the more effectively the machine gets to melt my fats away, I laid there smiling. Listening to the noise "music".

After the whole procedure, they'd just wipe-off the ultrasound gel they used and voila, you'd be measured and you'd be inspired to eat again, as I have been!

Other than body care, Svelte Wellness Center also offers unique facial treatments that are close if not sure to define the holy grail of facial treatments.

My friend, Lilia described her experience at Svelte to me, in a more than grateful manner.

"Svelte Wellness Center surprisingly offers cheap diamond peels--cheap because Svelte makes use of the latest microdermabrasion technology from Israel (photo below)," she said, and since I would love to preserve the blissfulness of her words, I'll share with you verbatim what she has to say regarding Svelte's diamond peel facial treatment.

Now, my face is a diamond peel virgin so I have no idea what the procedure will be like. I was briefed by the owner of Svelte that some clinics do diamond peel without incorporating a moisturizing liquid that's why it is sometimes painful for customers and their skin feel dry afterward. Svelte's diamond peel treatment or MicroVisage is different and better because as the skin's dead cells are removed moisturizing liquid is reintroduced to the pores leaving the face soft and smooth.

The procedure was quite relaxing. First, the attendant put on a cream to remove make-up residue from my face then a pen-like suction was placed against my skin. From there, the suction began. I have many pimple marks because of the regretful incident with a famous lotion brand I used last December. I asked the attendant to do half of my face first so that I could see the difference. In only a few minutes, the darkest pimple mark that I have lightened up and with that I was simply sold.

The MicroVisage procedure only lasted for 15 minutes, but I could immediately see the results since my dark pimple marks have visible lightened. I was very happy and thankful I was able to try their diamond peel service for free. I couldn't stop touching my face afterwards. It really felt like a baby's skin. I can't wait to go back to have another treatment done to have my skin feel pampered again.

-K-

Face and body bliss? Yes, it is possible under one roof. To schedule an appointment or for a free consultation, call Svelte Wellness Center at 02-7028232 and 09228758342.

10:28 PM

It was a quick yet an enlightening experience for me to have been part of ZEN Health magazine. (I had to leave the magazine for reasons far too complicated and ma-drama to blog about). Met so many people, learned so many lessons, discovered so many trivial-fun-weird-annoying things about different kinds of quirky personalities and of course discovered more trivial-fun-weird-annoying things about myself.

Below is the issue of ZEN Health magazine that means a lot to me (since I really worked hard on this baby upon conception). It's out now and I can't help but be overjoyed by how beautiful it is (come on, look at that wonderfully warm and bright cover)!

I invite you all to grab a copy of the magazine, maybe share an insight or two by commenting about the articles especially those I wrote--oh constructive criticisms are always welcome in my life. Summer is such a beautiful season. May is such a wonderful month. Rain is just around the corner (not unless global warming screws up with the supposed change of season in the Philippines). So bask in the last few days of summer. Shine. Bloom. Do both!

Thank you very much, Universe. I love ZEN Health. It's such an informative (and very fun and "arte") magazine. Tomorrow I'll be off to a wonderful event at Le Bistro Vert for my contributing article for the next issue of ZEN Health mag. I'm so excited to do it since... ah basta, it's a topic very close to my heart. :)

Sunday, May 16, 2010

It shouldn't be a first for you to have someone say that she feels most beautiful when she feels the sun on her skin, the wind on her hair. I am among those people who refer to life as a place of undisclosed enchantment simply awaiting a release.

Every time I feel happy, I draw women standing still in the very image I have described. In fact, my now defunct -- because it's too emotional, angsty and filled with uncontrolled emotions -- multiply site, "Loving you feels like this." pretty much exemplifies the fact that when I'm happy, I draw women with blown away hair (Trivia: the site title is so because while drawing the woman, my multiply profile photo, that line was on repeat in my mind). Is it crazy to think that happiness is held by people who allow themselves to be blown away?

One sweet sunday afternoon, I found myself returning to a haven of any beauty-savvy woman (even man) at Clarity Aesthetic, Medical and Dental Center located at 5F Wellness Zone of the eternally peaceful Shangri-la Plaza Mall.

Upon entering the clinic, the white-washed walls effectively "clarifies" every dark thought or cloud hovering any guest's head. I for one is very particular with ambiance. Although I do consider myself as a woman of the streets, when doing my "me-time", ambiance is a ruling priority. People shouldn't sacrifice a good ambiance when out for a quality self-indulging experience. I always say, if there's anyone who deserves your sincere affection, it would be your very own self. Clarity's clinics pretty much takes that into consideration. It does have the feel of a hospital, than a clinic and yes, it doesn't really have the sweet feeling of being in a spa, but what I truly enjoy about Clarity is that it isn't scary. I'm afraid of hospitals, nosocomephobia, and although Clarity is a clinic that places itself as a highly-professional medical center bordering to a mini-hospital peg, my fear of doctors and needles fade away, like the night as it leans against the break of dawn.

For that day, I was scheduled to try Clarity's Oxy-Rejuvenating Facial. Below is a photo of me before the treatment. I was asked by my attendant to wear a gown so she can easily massage my neck and well, with a massage as reason, I was more than happy to oblige. Besides, the gown was kind-of cute. Lavender is a nice color on me, what do you think?

If you noticed, there's a door behind me in the photo above. Why is that? Just so you know, in Clarity, you get the privacy of your own room upon procedure. None of th0se bed-after-bed-after-bed you see in other facial centers. To ensure comfort, security and of course exclusivity--best suited for those who are not comfortable rubbing elbows with complete strangers--the Clarity rooms are more than happy to welcome beauty and comfort seeking guests.

For the Oxy-Facial, I was first given a soothing head massage which was followed by a relaxing face massage that makes use of the following oxygen-infused skin products, as shown in photo below. (Clockwise: exfoliant, gel toner, make-up remover: for the eyes, milk cleanser: to cleanse and remove make-up for the face) The attendant's touch was firm and I really enjoyed it to the point that at the back of my mind, I think I could do pretty well without the facial itself just so the massaging won't stop. Kidding aside, what followed through was something I wouldn't wish of missing.

Oxygen, as we all know, is essential for life. The skin doesn't place behind this race. Mei Puente-Sia, R.N, the center's Training Coordinator Specialist, explained the role oxygen plays especially in terms of the skin.

"As we mature, our skin's metabolism slows down. This means the absorption of nutrients by the skin takes longer than it used to when we're younger. Pollution and stress are among the major reasons why the skin 'ages' quicker than it should have. To counter the effects of free radicals, the Oxy-Rejuvenating directly supplements the skin's needed oxygen for that youthful glow," Puente-Sia said.

She added, "Compared to other facials which focuses on 'microdermabrasion' such as with the Diamond Peel which makes use of small crystals to exfoliate the topmost layer of the skin, the Oxy-Facial focuses on infusing the skin with what it needs." For the Oxy-Facial at Clarity, they make use of an advanced oxygen facial system called OxyOasis, a system owned by Oxygen Botanicals which uses pure, non-chemically derived oxygen.

Below are photos of the different serums applied on the skin through the OxyOasis machine (second photo below). See, after having my face cleansed of all signs of dirt or make-up, my attendant exfoliated my skin through the use of what surprised me to be a highly-abrasive exfoliating cream. It was an entirely separate facial, if you ask me.

The pure oxygen-infused exfoliating cream was so effective the use of cleansing brushes wasn't even necessary. After exfoliation, my face was placed under the steamer to open up the pores for easy and surprisingly pain-free extraction of skin impurities. With all these done, the OxyOasis machine did its magic. A concoction of moisturizing serum was sprayed all over my face leaving a cooling effect for me to entirely surrender to the refreshing oxygen facial that followed and concluded the procedure (check out my shiny face--that's me right before the moisturizing serum dried up :p I felt like sleeping, it was such a wonderful feeling to experience the oxygen facial).

Before you go and reserve an appointment with Clarity (call at 02-9104955 to 53), I think you should also know that some added-value reasons why an Oxy-Facial can, well, blow you away.

Did you know that with the advanced technology of Oxygen Botanicals which features a time-release formula responsible in providing the skin the oxygen it needs for metabolism, for every 40-50 minutes after your facial, until approximately your next wash, the advanced liposome delivery system of the catezome cross-section technology of the oxygen-infused products used for the Oxy-Rejuvenating facial delivers oxygen, vitamins and more to the skin--while you enjoy shopping after your delightful facial! Ms. Puente-Sia was beautifully candid upon sharing this to me, and I, having experience the wonders of an oxygen facial, was completely delighted too.

If you have extremely sensitive skin, you have nothing to worry about since Oxygen Botanicals are derived only from natural plants and does not make use of synthetic fragrances.

Unlike other facials, depending on your skin's needs, you don't have to always have an Oxy-Facial to maximize the improvements of your skin through oxygen infusion. I myself in particular am not fond of highly-demanding beauty rituals. I am not as disciplined as I wish I would be, and I really don't want the fight for beauty (or should I be political and refer to it as aesthetics) to take over my life. Good thing that with the Oxy-Facial, one or two visits a month could already effectively keep the free radicals tabbed away.

Go ahead and experience the oxygen facial yourself. Do you know of the Marian Rivera commercial for Nesvita? It kept on playing in my mind after the Oxy-Facial. I don't know what else to say to describe how it felt... "Beautiful (fade in sweet smile)."

9:06 PM

Saturday, May 15, 2010

You know the feeling when everything just seems to be pointing towards one direction, as if the cosmos wouldn't want anything other than what it wants, to happen? I'm in the middle of that sort of vortex right now as, it seems to me, every road leads to an adventure.

It is no secret that I have always wanted to go to Sagada. I believe it was when I read from Yummy or Foodie magazine that there's this completely indulging buffet from a French chef when I started telling myself, "You're going to Sagada. You're going to Sagada."

But being the sort-of-sheltered child that I am, I have never been able to bring myself to put such mantra into action. It's been approximately four years down the road and I have never even lifted a finger just to be closer up the mountains.

However, this year, I'd love to make a difference. I have never felt something THIS strong. I'm reading Eat Pray Love right now and I can completely relate to the character. As she seems to be attracted to the three I's, I am deeply pulled closer by the uphill terrain of Sagada. A friend of mine said, "Go to Sagada. It's a magical place." Now that I feel like the world has been wonderfully kind to me, I am ready for magic. It may take time, but this act is not going to be a flop.

Just last night, May 14, 2010, I was with Elaine Tan at the launch of the "artsy-fied" Mendoza travel bags. It was an art opening in cooperation with none other than depth-defying art magazine Flow. The little exhibit named "Inspirations" which features Mendoza travel bags reconstructed to represent different jetsetting personalities, is located at the ground floor, Greenbelt 5 lobby, right in front Promod. It would run until May 20, Thursday, so do take time and check it out. The week-long exhibit aims to espouse a life filled with travel adventure. It is juxtaposed to how art could, like no other, forever preserve the individualistic spirit and self expression of different individuals. "Mendoza is a work of art", as the exhibit leaves a strong recall.

Giddy to answer, Kirsten Lim of Mendoza bags related how art--an entirely separate "world", is similar to what Mendoza bags wish to represent. "We would like to stand out among other travel bags out there because as you can see with our designs, each bag is distinct, with it's own story and flavor," she said.

Ian Belleza of Flow magazine reiterated Ms. Lim's point. "Currently there's been a boom especially with the up and coming artists as more and more of our young artists get featured and recognition both locally and internationally. When Mendoza bags asked us to curate for them, it was but a perfect partnership as evidently reflected with the pieces," he said.

I don't know about you, but if being invited to a launch of a unique line of travel bags isn't sign enough that I SHOULD PACK MY WHAT-HAVE-ME'S AND HEAD OFF THE ROAD, I don't know what is. To add up, I also saw my jetsetting girlfriend Anna Hyde who I fondly refer to as Ms. Hollywood, after the longest time of not having the slightest glimpse of each other. (Photo of my Summer '09 muse below)Anyway, enough said, here are some interesting photos of the Mendoza travel cases.

This is the kind of "luggage" I would love to take home after my Sagada trip. I already have a plan. I'm really REALLY going to save up for Sagada. Make or break, I MUST GROW OLD ON TOP OF THE WORLD. I have whuutt, five months. With a day job, freelance writing, blogging, public relations, exciting PROJECTS, family bonding, book reading, bucket listing and love life booming, five months is JUST ENOUGH for me to prepare the resources, energy and time to be northbound come fabulous birthday month, October.

I like this particular bag because it reminds me of X-Men. haha! Or of the Bat-mobile turned J-pop. Plus I really enjoyed the little drama it carried. Take a look at the picture below.

Can you guess what that little detail is?

A baby--well a teeny-tiny plastic majorly underdeveloped fetus. Nice right? :) Below is a more justified photo of the J-pop Bat-mobile suitcase which I would now refer to in my memory as Jay. Hi Jay. :)

3:21 PM

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hi! I just realized, other than being Tuesy (choosy) every Tuesday, I should also be FRIendly every Friday. In this light may I share with you my first ever follow friday post. I hope you give her blog a visit because I enjoyed much of her posts, found her worth the while.

9:33 PM

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

If you can make a difference without breaking a sweat, during summer, wouldn't you? The tides may have challenged White Hat Frozen Yogurt's cause due to a fire that troubled the location where the campaign for education was supposed to be held, all went well after a few days wait. Nothing can stop the world from changing--especially if it is moved by people whose plans include changes solutions to the country's problems in the education sector.

Spearheaded by premier frozen yogurt brand, White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt, for the benefit of Real Life foundation, the Have the Hots for Miriam's Hats last May 2, 2010 received the warmest support--why would it not if the lady behind the bar is a delight on her own?

Miriam Quiambao, is more than a beauty queen nowadays. People know of her active participation in various causes and organizations, such as her continued campaign for environmental movements and education as manifested in her volunteerism for the Real Life Foundation.

Personally, I admire MiriamQ's, as she is known on twitter, unwavering poise and sophistication. It is but rare to have a woman as her league remain qualified to represent the country in any event post-pageant.

For the matter, all it took was 250 cups of specially concocted frozen yogurts designed by Ms. Quiambao herself, Summer Delight, a unique blend of Original Yogurt, Fresh Kiwi and Homemade Granola for an incomparable zest and Passionate Indulgence, an exceptional tub of Original Yogurt with Homemade Brownies, Walnut Streusel topped with Chocolate Syrup--a chocolate lover's haven, for White Hat Yogurt to provide one scholar with a year of highschool education. More could be done of course, for more information please contact the Real Life Foundation.The country's future is at the tip of your fingertips (a pun directed to those who actually voted yesterday--and thank you for going out of your way in making sure your voice was heard). Elections just ended, the becoming of this country awaits. I am telling you, you can be a main player for change. Take the dice, and roll with the game.

Each small step makes up the big future for our nation. Let us be great, together.